BIOGRAPHYJohn was a lightly-build half-forward flanker who went by the nickname of "Swooper". He was an opportunist who only needed a few possessions to swing a game. He read the play very well, had fine ball handling skills and was a dangerous snap shot for goal. Recruited from Mortlake, he spent eight seasons with Richmond and was a member of the 1967 and 1969 Premiership teams. Between 1965 and 1968 he played 64 consecutive senior games. His highest individual goal tally was 8 in 1968, against Melbourne in Round 9 and he scored 5 or more goals, six times. He was awarded Life Membership in 1970 and left Richmond at the end of that years, This remains one of his biggest regrets in football.
He then moved to Western Suburbs in New South Wales as a playing-coach. He led that club to the 1972 Premiership as well as coaching the state team. Whilst coaching Western Suburbs, they kicked 51 goals during one game in 1972. He then moved to Redan, as playing-coach in 1974. He led that club to three successive Premierships. He returned to Melbourne to coach St. Kilda's Reserves for three seasons and then returned to Ballarat in 1981 and coached that League's Representative sides. In total he coached the Ballarat League to three Country championships.
He commenced his VLF Coaching career with the Sydney Swans in 1985, during that year they were owned by the flamboyant Doctor Geoffrey Edelsten. After one season John was relieved of the coaching position. He then returned to Victoria as coach of Melbourne, which he moulded into a very formidable team during his seven seasons at the them. Although their best effort was runners-up in 1988 and third in 1987, he did lead them to two night Premierships.
After his successful stint with Melbourne he returned to Tigerland as coach in 1993 and led Richmond into their third Night Grand Final; however they were beaten by eventual day Premiers Essendon. In 1994 he presided over the club's most successful season for 12 years. Under his guidance Richmond won their first seven games of 1995 and went on to finish the season in fourth position. This included three finals for one win over Essendon in the semi-final after trailing by 6 goals at half-time. Richmond played a very passionate brand of possession and team-orientated football. John was voted 1995's Coach of the Year by the AFL Players Association. At the end of the 1995 season he left Richmond after a dispute over his contact. He was appointed as coach of the Brisbane Bears shortly after this. Apart from his football ability, John was also a fine junior tennis player.